Homeopathy & Vitamins for Aching Muscles

Jean Bardot

About the Author:

Jean Bardot

Jean Bardot is a freelance writer and natural health practitioner. She started writing in 1994 and has contributed articles to publications such as "Similimum" and the "IFH Journal." She has a Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Science in holistic nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health.

Aching muscles can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from overexercising, the flu, food allergies and just plain being overtired. Consuming vitamins regularly that can prevent your muscles from aching and taking homeopathic remedies to relieve soreness may enable you to recover quickly from what ails you. Always check first with your health practitioner before taking large doses of vitamins or using homeopathic medicines.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D acts like a master hormone in the body, helping to control and balance other hormones. It is synthesized by the skin after exposure to sunlight. Many people do not get enough vitamin D, regardless of how much sunlight they are exposed to, and suffer from a variety of problems related to vitamin D deficiency. The University of Minnesota notes that aches and pains similar to those experienced by people suffering from fibromyalgia are common among people with low vitamin D levels. Increasing your vitamin D and having regular blood tests to check levels is important if you have chronic body pain, especially in the muscles. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 600 IU to 800 IU; however, if you experience significant body pain or if your blood levels are low, you may need much higher doses. Do not dose yourself with high quantities of vitamin D except under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Arnica

Homeopathic Arnica is indicated for aches and pains, especially muscle pain and bruising, according to William Boericke, M. D., in the "Materia Medica and Repertory." Arnica may help relieve soreness and aching from injuries to muscles due to overuse . The injury or sore spot may be discolored and black-and-blue. Arnica can relieve tenderness, pain, swelling and inflammation in the muscles. A guiding symptom indicating the need for this remedy is that you don't want the injured part of your body touched due to extreme sensitivity.

Rhus Toxicodendron

Rhus toxicodendron, or Rhus tox, is indicated in cases where your musculoskeletal problems are made worse when you first move and then get better as you continue to move, according to Boericke. The remedy is useful for muscle aches, joint problems and tendonitis. It may relieve symptoms when the aches and pains feel better with warm applications and worse during cold, damp weather. An indication of the need for Rhus tox is extreme restlessness: having to repeatedly change position to relieve the pain and discomfort, only to have to again move around and change position a few minutes later for the same reason.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy works by initiating the body's reaction to an external stimulus, which then encourages the individual's body to heal itself. Remedies are made from natural sources using tiny amounts of that substance. Most homeopathic remedies are available without prescription, over the counter from health food stores. Homeopathic remedies are considered safe when taken according to directions and under the supervision of a homeopath. Contact a homeopathic practitioner or purchase a homeopathic first aid book for guidelines referring to use and dosage.